Trade pacts with Japan, Malaysia likely in February

India is likely to sign two major pacts in February, liberalising trade in goods and services with Japan and Malaysia by slashing or eliminating duties.

Commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma is expected to visit Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur between February 14 and 18 for signing the pacts — a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Japan and a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Malaysia, an official told PTI.

“Formalities for signing these agreements have been completed,” the official said. The agreements are aimed at reducing or eliminating tariffs on over 90 per cent of the goods traded between the countries.